Posted by: Pete Roussel on August 4, 2012

Hoping to maintain a complete focus from his team over the next ten days, Joker Phillips has implemented a twitter ban for Kentucky players until August 15.

According to the News Observer, Phillips stated, "There is no time to relax, no time to Twitter.  We've got better things to do. We've got a lot of work to do. We don't have time. The time that we spend twittering, that's time they could be in the cold, ice tub, that's time they could be getting treatment from our training staff."

I believe Joker is the first college coach to put a "suspension" on twitter.  Of course, Jimbo Fisher and Chris Petersen have flat out banned their players from using twitter, period.

In Joker's defense, can you blame him?

Every staff in the country has a lot of work to do, but don't think Joker doesn't realize the importance of the three-game stretch to open the season --- at Louisville, Kent State, Western Kentucky.

If the Wildcats start fast, the confidence will growo and speculation on Joker will simmer for a couple of weeks, maybe.

Plus, you've got to imagine new Kentucky assistants Pat Washington and Mike Cassity like the idea.  The fewer distractions, the better.

Joker admittedly understands that UK will be an underdog in all eight SEC games this season.  Here's his response about playing as the underdog:

-----------------------------------------

Pete Roussel is a valuable resource for coaches, athletic directors, NFL front-office personnel, and college football enthusiasts. A former college football coach, Roussel shares insight on coaches 365 days a year and is recognized as the most trusted expert on coaching transactions. Follow @CoachingSearch on twitter and send your feedback to pete@coachingsearch.com